THE LAST PAGE

When I walked into my Literature class and took a seat beside Aiden, he gave me a nudge and that smirk I was talking about.

“Hey, so did you bring a knife?” he asked me teasingly. 

“No, I brought a chopper,” I said trying to sound and look serious which I probably failed to.

“Class, please settle down,” Mr Smith’s voice quietened the whole class, “...today we’re happy to announce to you that a new student will be joining our school and class. Hayden please come in.”

As the new boy entered, I could literally hear the girls’ sucking their breath. But I don’t blame them. Goodness, he was gorgeous. He looked around the classroom but as his eyes met mine, he stopped. I felt something different in me, something wonderful. It was as if his eyes alone could captivate my attention. He gave me a slight smile as he looked in another direction. Too late to smile back, I told myself. 

“Now class, since Hayden is new, please make him feel welcome,” Mr Smith continued, “...and Mia, if you don’t mind, could Hayden sit beside you?” my eyes quickly focused to Mr Smith, still trying to process what he had just said to me. Sit beside me? My eyes directed to Aiden. “Now, don’t worry Aiden, could you sit at the back for the time being?” I couldn’t read the expression on Aiden’s face which was unusual. He gave Mr Smith a slight nod and started to pack his things. As he grabbed his bag to move to the back, his eyes looked into mine, as if he was searching for an answer from within them. I couldn’t understand his sudden change in behaviour at that moment.

As Aiden came out of my view, Hayden came into the picture. He sat and gave me a smile as I smiled back. I could feel my heart pounding fast. 

“Mia? I’m Hayden in case you didn’t heard,” his voice was velvety yet clear at the same time.

“Yeah, how did you know my name?” 

“Mr Smith? He called out your name remember?” Hayden laughed a little. I laughed with him but stopped when I realised how stupid and moronic my question was. 

“Mia? Hayden? I’m pretty sure you two have a lot to talk about since you just met, but class needs to start. You can talk after school,” Mr Smith interrupted. God, how embarrassing. Now everyone knows I’ve been talking to the new guy in class. I faked a smile to indicate him that I was ready for his boring sermon.  He rambled on for what felt like a million years before the school bell rang. 

“Hey Mia, see you some time again,” Hayden acknowledged me as soon as he was about to leave the class. 

“Sure, see you,” I felt like an idiot replying him with my three-word answers. He smiled at me before leaving the classroom. I felt a surge of warmth inside me. Could I possibly like this guy whom I just met less than an hour? I didn’t know yet.

“Hey, you okay?” I looked away from wherever I was looking at and turned to see Aiden standing there. He had one of his concerned looks.

“Yeah, why did you ask?” 

“Number one, can you please tell me when you’re killing me so that I can think of a way to defend myself? Number two, you were blushing and smiling when you were staring at the door. I usually agree with you M, but I don’t find that door one bit attractive at all,” Aiden taunted me.

“Ha-ha, very funny. And yes, I do find the door very attractive,” I answered semi-sarcastically.

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Aiden’s eyes looked into my eyes yearning for an answer.

“Huh?” I was confused. 

“Hayden. You like him,” Aiden’s reply shocked me. How did he know? Of course he knows; he’s your best friend idiot! He can clearly see how you melt in front of him!

“No. No, I don’t,” Aiden’s reply didn’t sound like a question but I answered it anyway. Aiden raised one of his brows and shrugged. He looked like he refused to look me in the eye. Aiden and I had been best friends for years and for the first time I actually felt uncomfortable talking to him.

“Oh well, see you then.” As Aiden left the classroom, I remembered he didn’t ask me whether I wanted to hang out. He left just like that.  I stood there feeling somewhat hurt and confused. I really didn’t know and didn’t want to know what I was feeling.

Remembering all our memories, and it is times like these that I miss you most, remembering when we were so close. I let the thought linger in my head as I left the classroom and went back home.